Scientists from the Australian National University in Canberra have compiled the most accurate predictions to date for the melting of Antarctic ice over the next 100 years. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Science Advances (SciAdv).
The Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest block of ice on Earth, containing more than 30 million cubic kilometers of water. Its melting could have a devastating impact on sea levels in the future.
To determine historic sea levels, researchers first examined Australia’s geological record and found fossilized corals and other sea level markers that show how high the coastline was.
According to projections, the contribution of melting in Antarctica to the rise in average sea level by 2100 will not be as severe as previously thought. While previous estimates ranged from 20 to 52 centimeters by the beginning of the next century, new data suggest only 5 to 9 centimeters; which is about 4 to 6 times lower than expected.
According to the authors of the scientific study, the accuracy of the predictions is due to the significant advances in science in the last 10 years.
One of the researchers, Dr. “Thanks to better models, improved computing power, and a better understanding of geological processes, our ability to map the movement of tectonic plates through the mantle has been revolutionized,” said Mark Hoggard.
Previous scientists warned About the irreversible melting of West Antarctic ice.
Source: Gazeta
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